Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Went flying today, weather said 5 mi visibility, that was bogus so I turned back to head to the barn. Turned final for 30, greased er in and the valve stem on the left main tire tube failed. The air evacuated the tire right now, 60 mph left main flat, What a ride!!!!! The stem failed at the end that you put the air in at, the last thread cracked. I ruddered hard to the right, then had to get on the brake, I could not stop the drift, I drifted 75 ft off the center line and came to a stop short of the dirt. The bird didn't offer a ground loop, I stopped with the nose pointing down 30 just as I landed. Take a good look at you valve stems at next inspection, I would have never seen this crack, had to put the tube in the sink to see where it opend up at. This could have been a mess, dont care if I never see another ride like this one again that's for sure.........Dan

Wow... sounds like you did good, Dan! Could've been a whole 'nuther story! I've never seen one fail there before. You gotta' stop tightening those valve stem caps so much!
Thanks for the report, and good job!!

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE

good job keeping it on the pavement Dan. I bet that really got you attention.

Great job Dan - bet you haven't been that alive since your wedding night!!

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Fraser MacPhee
N926WM
Serial #279-1
Angel Fire, NM (KAXX)

Nice job pal. It pays to always be ready on the brakes in a tail dragger. Now stop using gorilla arms to tighten you valve caps!
Cubes

Dan, sure glad you didn't damage your plane. I thought I taught you gooder than that! Never tighten the valve caps above 30 ft lb.
Steve

Nice job keeping the AC out of the cotton fields ! Next time use a torque wrench on the valve stem cap ! BOOM !

Well y'all can best bet I will go through a very good inspection of all of the parts on reassembly. I walked the runway on the tracks I left with the flat tire, I did notice that the concrete had rocks all over it. I will check the inside of the pant and the stem for impact marks, if I find somthing I will post it for everyone............Feeling alive Frase? I haven't had the much adrinalin in me since Gloria said she would marry me!!! Thanks Guys......Dan